Comedians

The full comedy lineup will be announced on Tuesday, January 28.

Rosie O’Donnell“The Queen of Nice” will feel right at home here in Traverse City, bringing her bold wit and bravado storytelling live to the State Theatre. Coming up in the man’s world of comedy, she broke out following a fateful turn on “Star Search” and her career skyrocketed from there. She has appeared on stage (“Grease”), the small (“The View”) and big screen (“A League of Their Own,” “Sleepless in Seattle”), and became a pop-culture icon when she changed the face of daytime television with her talk show “The Rosie O’Donnell Show,” winning Emmys like they were going out of style. An outspoken and dedicated philanthropist, she returns to stand-up following a major heart attack that inspired her to share her new perspective on parenting, marriage, illness, and celebrity — and we can’t wait to hear what she has to say.

Michael Ian BlackMaster of irreverent observations, you probably know Michael Ian Black from “Ed” or as the guy with all the best jokes on VH1’s “I Love the…” series, but he has truly done it all: sketch comedy (“Stella,” “The State,”), movies (“Wet Hot American Summer”), podcasts, children’s books, reviews for the NYT, and a new show with D.L. Hughley on TBS, “Trust Me, I’m a Gameshow Host.”

Tig NotaroHailed as one of the best comics working today, Tig Notaro is redefining comedy with her big-hearted and counterintuitive wit. Her “instantly legendary” set addressing her recent cancer treatments made vocal fans of the likes of Louis C.K and Sarah Silverman. She is a regular on “Conan” and “This American Life” with Ira Glass, has appeared on “Community” and “The Office,” and made her feature film debut this summer with “In a World…”

Stephen LynchWhether he’s singing an ode to “queer tattoos,” telling a potential paramour all the things he won’t be doing for her (he ain’t fightin’ no Lion), or lamenting his new vegan lifestyle (“Tofurkey? Tof**k yourself- I want some meat”), Michigan-born Tony-nominated Stephen Lynch’s unique blend of musical based comedy has earned him fiercely loyal fans around the world at his sold-out live shows, best-selling CDs, and top-rated Comedy Central Specials.

Tim MeadowsOne of the longest running cast members in “SNL” history, you know Tim Meadows for his improvisational prowess, flair for impersonating famous personalities, and of course…Leon Phelps, “The Ladies Man.” With his courvoisier days behind him, the Michigan-native has continued taking his iconic brand of comedy live while also appearing in hit films (“Mean Girls,” “Grown Ups”) and on top-rated television (“Suburgatory,” “The Bill Engvall Show”).

By the Way with Jeff GarlinOur co-founder is a standup comedian, director, producer, writer, actor, and author. He’s made and starred in hit films (“WALL•E”) and hit shows (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”), and performed on everything from Conan to “Arrested Development.” Currently he’s the star of ABC’s top rated “The Goldbergs,” performs in comedy clubs everywhere, and hosts the podcast “By the Way.”

Dan St.GermainVariety calls him one of “10 Comics to Watch,” Paste Magazine one of the “Top 10 Great Underrated Comedians,” and Time Out New York labeled him the “Comedy Break Out” of 2013, but we just call him the comedian you better catch here before he’s too big to come back. Currently developing his own show on Fox, you’ve seen him at all the top comedy festivals, on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” “Conan,” and his own Comedy Central special.

Matt BraungerNamed as one of Variety’s Top 10 Comics to Watch, Matt Braunger will win you over with his affable charm and penchant for the random and absurd. He’s been a series regular on “MADtv;” appeared on “Up All Night,” “Conan,” “The Michael J. Fox Show,” and “Letterman;” had a best-selling comedy album; and hosts his own popular podcast on The Nerdist, “Ding-Donger with Matt Braunger.”

Kirk FoxStarting out in the world of drama (“The Patriot,” “The Postman”), Kirk Fox — known to sport one heck of a mustache — didn’t quite understand why he was always cast as the killer. But proving even bad guys can have a heart of gold, he turned to stand-up where he has since found his true calling making people laugh with his very genuine brand of comedy on film (“Forgetting Sarah Marshall”), television (“Parks & Recreation,” “The Tonight Show,” “The Test”), and his own Comedy Central special.

TJ & DaveWhether you’re a student of improvisation, a fan of live comedy, or simply interested in human imagination, TJ & Dave will leave you laughing and guessing. These Second City veterans are returning to the festival by popular demand and are widely acknowledged to be living legends in long form improv. TJ Jagodowski (the guy on the Sonic commercials) and David Pasquesi (“Groundhog Day”) walk out on stage without characters, dialog or plot, and the result is pure genius.

Mike ToomeyThe Chicago Tribune says he’s “one of the funniest and most talented performers ever to work in Chicago,” but to us he is the festival favorite we couldn’t be more excited to welcome back. Doing comedy that won’t make your grandmother blush, his dead-on impersonations and PG-rated style are for anyone and everyone who could use a really good, hearty, pure, deep-rooted laugh.

Sarah TianaA Southern belle who can pack a punch, Sarah Tiana (“Reno 911″) returns to the TC ComFest by popular demand, sharing her thoughts on everything from her love of sports to the sport of dating. She’s traveled around the world doing over nine tours of comedy for the troops, and when she’s not abroad she can be seen on “Chelsea Lately,” Reelz TV, and NFL.com.

Celebrity AutobiographyEver wondered what Stallone keeps in his freezer? Or how Bieber got his trademark haircut? Well, wonder no more. In this hit and critically-acclaimed comedy show, created by Emmy-award nominated writer-performers Eugene Pack and Dayle Reyfel, a rotating group of top comedians find the unintentional humor in the memoirs of the rich and famous. Michael Moore along with a slew of TC ComFest comedians will bring to life the deep thoughts and self-indulgent musings of your favorite stars for a hilariously kitschy roast. The best part — we couldn’t even make this stuff up if we tried.

Set List: Stand Up w/o a Net
Paul Provenza and Troy Conrad’s critically-acclaimed show (a smash hit at the 2012 SXSW Film Festival and at last year’s Winter ComFest) puts a spin on traditional standup showcases: comics are handed never-before-seen topics (like “Detroit Tourism Slogan Planning Committee”) as they step up to the mic, promising an unpredictable show of improv standup, every time.